The clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1883-1888, 1887-03-09
To the Friends of Prohibition in
Mississippi.

have the pleasure Of again congratula-
ting you upon the healthful growth of
Prohibition in the State The past has
been a year of rapid progress-of real
triumph. ] have only words OF enconr-
sgement to offer on the result of recent
achievements. The Local Option Law
enacted by the last Legislature, has ex-
ceeded in efficiency the largest expecta-
tons OF its friends and disappointed the
evil prophecies of unrelenting enemies.
Under lis operation we have not only firm
~ held every inch of territory covered by
special prohibitory statutes, but have
rescued from the grasp Of the open saloon
twelve additional counties, including the
large and influential counties of Kinds,
Lauderdale and Yazoo. Other large Sec
lions have driven out the saloon by petit
ton, until we can claim two-thirds or more
OF the State, as standing solidly in the
Prohibition column
In addition, We are assured that the
agitation has improved the drinking habits
Oh society. Old topers have ceased their
deoaucherles and moderate drinkers be-
come total abstainers. The saloons that
remain do not thrive as formerly-the
business Is no longer so lucrative and re-
munerative. And it is becoming disrepu-
table Tor gentlemen to frequent such places.
Some interesting statistics might be given
ON this point that would gladden. the heart
and cheer thefaith of every Prohibitionist
in Mississippi and elsewhere.
1t Is also occasion for graduation that
the Supreme Court of the State has affirmed
It,r r la.u = he
ciearest and strongest language. This, OF
itself, viii become an educating factor in
the conflict and has already sent dismay
into the enemy's ranks. 1t simplifies the
issue and unifies the friends of moral re-
form.
But what OF the duties OF the present
and future? Be assured, we have only
begun the struggle. We must beware OF
idle satisfaction with past success. The
peril Of Uictoyy Is complaeeEcy. One triumph
| should only stimulate courage and zeal to
| achieve greater. In view, therefore, OF
the work before us, l offer the following
suggestions
l. Keep your organizations intact. In
counties where Prohibition has carried
you need TO keep up the agitation to secure
the rigid, impartial enforcement of the law
Laws do not administer themselves. The
sentiment that enacts statute must com.
pei its wise, fearless administration. Dc
not allow the law to become dead letter
| Unpublished violators are vicious educators
of public sentiment. Keep up the agita
ton. so that no jury can be found to acqui
| fragrant offenders.
| 2. We should adhere consistently to our
declaration of non-partisan purposes anC
principles. Our last State Convention re
Loft ha
former meeting In these words - We ftrthei
declare It to be our conviction that the cause 0
Prohibition should not be eatanqled Nth part
politics. Without disturbing the party afilia
tons of any citizen aCe ask his support of thi
great reform, rhich should be enthroaed abor
the contests for mere place and poleer" L,
that declaration and line of policy we ar
pledged and the success of our cause thu
far has demonstrated its wisdom. If witt
our growing strength, the movement shout,
be detected into partisan channels, we will
forfeit the browning victory which seem
assured. When a successful moral reform
is subsidized by political ambitions, i
suffers defeat in the house of supposed, bu
misguided friends. Let US reassert will
plainness and emphasis that this is in n
sense partisan movement. We hav
nothing to do with party politics.
3. Let prohibition literature be industri
ously circulated. We must SOW down tn
State with leaflets and pamphlets, packed
with facts and arguments, that will multi
ply our friends and enable every Prohibi
zionist to give an unanswerable reason TO
the hope that is in him. If we can onl
get the people to read, the saloon will b
banished from the borders of our grea
commonwealth.
| t. IL. 4.
been held, make ample preparations an
bring on the contest during the summer
Organize for victory, and utilize ever
available agency. We have sufficient I'm
used influence in every county to assur
success, if modified and placed unde
skillful leadership.
3. We must labor with and for the col
ored people. They will aid our cause i
ever-increasing numbers. 1t is neithe
good religion nor worldly policy to becom
impatient because so many OF them hav
been deluded into the support of whisky
With better education and healthier pub
lie sentiment, they will discover their tru
friends and forsake their worst enemy. Il
church and school they must be instructed
and exhorted
6. Honoring their labors in the past, W
| should Continue to cordially cooperate
with the Woman's Christian Temperanc
Union of the State. Their conservatism
and zeal in Mississippi are worthy of al
commentator and universal emulation
Descending other issues, they are laborin,
for total abstinence and non par tisan Pro
hibition. May their numbers increase
until every mother, wife or sister shall tax
for her inspiring motto, "God, home anC
native land"
7. We must keep in mind also our Stat
Convention to be held at time yet to b
fixed. 1t ought to be large anC
representative of the best brain ant
heart of the people. In due time
| the Executive Committee will deter
mine the date and issue formal call
With gratitude for the past and the bright
est hopes for the future, would most ear.
nestly and fraternally urge every friend o
Prohibition in Mississippi, to grid on hi
strength anew and magnify this hour o
opportunity and responsibility.
CHAs. B. GALLOWAY,
| Chairman State Prohibition Elk. Com.
Brookhaven, Miss, March 4, 1887.
| State papers please copy.